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Inguinal Hernia
• When the fat, the intestine or the bladder protrudes through the inguinal canal in the groin area it is known as Inguinal / groin hernia
• About 96% of all groin hernias are inguinal, and most occur in men because of a natural weakness in this area.
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Causes
• Ageing
• Overweight or obese
• Long-term constipation
• Long-term cough
• Physical exertion - Lifting heavy items
• Straining to urinate - Enlarged prostate
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking
• Conditions leading to abdominal distention – e.g.Ascites
Risk factors
• Male: because of a natural weakness in this area
• Premature birth
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Symptoms
• Bulge in the groin area – in 60% of cases it is on the both sides of the groin
• Burning, gurgling or aching sensation in the groin
• Pain or discomfort, a heavy or dragging sensation in the groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
• Occasionally, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum
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Complications
• Hernias can cause an emergency need for surgery when a part of the intestine gets blocked leading to compromised blood supply.This can cause life threating complication.
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Tests to Diagnosis
• Clinical examination
• Sonography
• CT Scan
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Treatment
• Surgery / Operation - with/without mesh –“jail” repair
• Laparoscopic (Preferably) – laparoscopic Inguinal hernia mesh repairs gives you the advantage of faster recovery ,early come back to routine life & in case of patients who are having inguinal hernia on both the sides (in 60% of pts) will not have any extra scarring, in fact through the same holes the surgery / operation can be done on the both side.
• Laparoscopy can also diagnose hidden hernias – missed while investigations
• Open (to unfit patient – in this patients under local / spinal anaesthesia the surgery / operation is done)